Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, has been studied for its potential to alleviate side effects associated with chemotherapy. The scientific rationale comes primarily from preclinical (cell and animal) studies and a limited number of small human trials. Quercetin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, which may help reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Some studies suggest it can protect normal cells from chemotherapy-induced toxicity while not interfering with the anticancer effects of the drugs. For example, animal studies have shown that quercetin may reduce cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (heart damage). Additionally, there is some evidence that quercetin may help alleviate chemotherapy-related fatigue and gastrointestinal issues due to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, high-quality evidence in humans is still lacking. Most clinical trials are small, preliminary, or use quercetin in combination with other substances, making it difficult to isolate its effects. Furthermore, concerns remain about possible interactions between quercetin and certain chemotherapy drugs, potentially affecting their metabolism or efficacy. Leading cancer organizations do not currently recommend quercetin supplementation as a standard approach to managing chemotherapy side effects, citing insufficient evidence. In summary, while there is a scientific basis for the investigation and some promising preclinical data, robust human data is limited; thus, its use is not fully validated and should be approached with caution.

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